Ainu embroidery

The fourth workshop in our Japanese craft series pop-up at the beautiful Crary Art Gallery in Warren PA

Ainu decorative needlework is associated with the indigenous people of northern Japan and parts of northeastern Russia. It is a mix of applique and embroidery techniques that creates striking graphic patterns on garments. Like many traditions, it grew first out of necessity, but has become a unique form of cultural expression. In the workshop we will applique a symmetrical organic motif in cotton, and then overlay it with decorative embroidery and couched thread work in a modern interpretation of a traditional design.

To book your spot in this class head over to their website here

Semamori embroidery – sewn blessings

This is the third workshop in our Japanese crafts series at the beautiful Crary Art Gallery

In many ancient cultures decorative stitching was used to protect the wearer of a garment from evil. Semamori, literally translates from the Japanese as back protection, and was applied to the small kimono of children to protect them from being ambushed by a devil from behind. Each pattern has symbolic meaning, and conveys blessings and protections from the maker to the wearer of the finished garment. In the workshop we will sew several of the most popular patterns based on antique sewing charts.

To book your spot head over to the Crary Gallery’s website here

Introduction to Sashiko Embroidery

The second workshop in our pop-up series at the Crary Art Gallery in Warren, PA

Sashiko, meaning little stabs, is a centuries old Japanese stitching tradition. Originally used for practical purposes, to join together layers of thin or worn cloth, or to prevent wear on outer garments, today it is practiced for its beauty. This workshop will be an introduction to the hitomezashi style of Sashiko which is sewn on a grid. The stitches build on each other creating ever more complex patterns. The workshop will cover tips and tricks for laying out the grid, and we will learn some basic grid approaches that can be expanded into more decorative designs.

To book your spot – head over to their website here!

Class Guide

  • Root

    Beginner level classes suitable for everyone.

  • Shoot

    Ready for a little more of a challenge?

    These classes build on skills from root level classes – but may still be suitable for those with little experience. Not sure if the class is for you, just ask us.

  • Bloom

    Get ready to REALLY grow your skills!

    Classes for students with experience. Our teaching artists will identify what skills you should already have. If you are unsure if a class is for you, please ask, we’d be happy to help you!